Introduction

Whether you own a passenger car, truck, van, or motorcycle, you will need to renew your registration annually with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). Failing to renew on time may result in late fees and further fines.

First-Time Michigan Registration

This page is for registration renewals. If you have purchased a used car that you need to register, or have just established residency in Michigan, visit our Registration page.

Registration Renewal Notice

For individually-owned vehicles (passenger car, truck, motorcycle), the registration will expire on the owner's birthday. Individually-owned vehicles may be renewed as soon as the renewal notice is received.

Registration for company-owned vehicles will expire on the date designated by the SOS. Company-owned vehicles may not be renew their registration early.

The MI SOS sends renewal notices by mail 45 days before the renewal deadline. Information in the renewal notice includes:

Expiration date

Fees

PIN for online renewal, if eligible

Instructions for renewal by mail

Didn't Receive a MI Registration Renewal Notice?

Renewal forms cannot be resent, even if you did not receive yours. If you never received your renewal notice, it is still your responsibility to renew by the deadline by visiting your local SOS office.

Or, if your prefer, you can renew by mailing a copy of your current registration certificate, proof of car insurance coverage, and payment (check or money order) to:

Renew at a Self-Serve Station

All the information on your renewal notice is correct (name, address, vehicle type)

Your PIN is listed on your renewal notice

You have a valid credit card (MasterCard, Discover, or Visa)

The self-service machine will prompt you for information on a touch screen. Upon completing, you'll receive a receipt and new tabs.

Renew by Mail

This option is open to both in-state and out-of-state residents.

In-State Residents

If the information on your renewal notice is incorrect, you cannot renew via mail. You must instead renew in person. Otherwise, send payment, proof of car insurance, and your renewal notice using the provided enclosed envelope. If you lost the envelope, mail to:

Michigan Department of State

Renewal by Mail

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48980

Out-of-State Residents

Out-of-state residents will need to send:

A cover letter with:
―Your license plate number
―The address where you want your new registration sent
―Your daytime phone number, with the area code

Send your documents using the enclosed envelope that came with your renewal notice. If you've misplaced the envelope, mail to:

Michigan Department of State

Renewal by Mail Unit

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48980

Renewing Online

Renew online using the same steps listed above in the MI Registration Renewal section.

Non-Operational Vehicle Registration

Unregistered vehicles are not allowed on public streets. If you have a non-operational vehicle, it must be stored on private property. If you decide to begin driving the vehicle or wish to park it on the street, you must renew its registration by visiting your local SOS office with:

Proof of car insurance

Proper identification

Check, credit card, or money order to cover all fees, including late charges if you allowed the registration to expire

Replacement Registration Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates

If your license plates are lost or stolen, or no longer legible in accordance with law enforcement guidelines, you must get them replaced. Visit our License Plates page for more information.